The castle’s construction started in 1868 and Ludwig meant it to be his residence,
far away from the urban Munich and also an homage to famous composer Richard Wagner.
Unfortunately, due to serious financial problems, the castle’s design was seriously simplified and it was finished in 1892. Though it was meant to be the king’s residence and not available to the public, only six weeks after his death, in 1886, the first visitors were allowed to enter. During World War II, the castle was robbed by Nazi troops and only luck saved it when the SS tried to blow it up to prevent it from falling into Allies hands.
Today, The castle of Neuschwanstein is probably one of the best known castles in the world, especially after being the inspiration source for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle and more than 1.3 million people visiting it in each year, generation an income of 6.5 million Euros.
